Teen Tech Facilitator

Position Summary: Volunteers engage visitors to design and create projects in the Teen Tech Center (TTC). The TTC is a free multimedia and creative technology focused maker space specifically for ages 13-18. We provide space, materials, and support so teens can express themselves creatively and gain hands-on experience with high tech tools and programs. Successful volunteers will encourage youth to create through questions rather than lecture-style instruction, maintain a flexible outlook, and be ready to take on any challenge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Encourage visitors to explore, collaborate, innovate, and create personal projects.
• Mentor teens by asking open-ended questions, co-investigating, and using other facilitation techniques to help promote exploration and innovation.
• Provide guidance if needed in the inspiration, resource gathering, and creation of daily projects and activities.
• Maintain the integrity and appearance of the space.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and inviting environment for visitors and staff.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Eager to facilitate visitor-led and visitor-centered experiences.
• Excited about teaching and learning through play and experimentation.
• Comfortable with open-ended problem solving.
• Desire to communicate accurate science and technology content in an engaging way with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Self-motivated with strong communication and interpersonal skills, comfortable with actively engaging with 13-18 year olds in a positive, consistent manner.
• Passionate about tinkering, building, and making things with others.
• Dependable and punctual; ability to adhere to a regular schedule preferred

Commitment to safety and willingness to uphold OMSI rules and procedures.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with creative technologies and tools, including: Adobe Creative Suite, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, AutoCAD, Scratch/Basic Programming and Coding, Virtual Reality, etc.
• Experience with arts/crafts including but not limited to: sewing, embroidery, knitting/crochet, drawing, painting, clay/armature, jewelry making, woodburning, etc.

Schedule and Support:

• Typical Schedule: The TTC is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm or 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
• Minimum hours: 8 hours a month. 4 hours every/other week
• Attend the following trainings or classes with OMSI:
• Volunteer Orientation
• Mandatory Reporter
• Area specific training
• Supervisor will provide ongoing training on Teen Tech Center equipment and software during the shifts.

Volunteer Benefits:

• Participation in an opportunity to provide input and feedback in the development of a new area of the museum.
• Training and a lifelong learning experience.
• Admission for the volunteer to the museum, theater and planetarium shows, and submarine tours.
• An OMSI Family Membership upon completion of 50 hours of volunteer service.
• Discounts in the OMSI Science Store and on-site restaurants.
• The opportunity to meet many new people and learn more about OMSI.